Can You See the Future From Here?

    Little Diomede [DIE-oh-meed] might not seem like a place you’d like to visit. 

    This small Alaskan island is just under 3 square miles in size. It’s one of the most isolated places in the world. Fewer than 100 people live there. You won’t find any roads or restaurants. In the winter, temperatures can reach a frigid -40°F. 

    But if you look out from the western coast of the island, you can see the future. 

    Yes, you read that right. 

    So how does this magic work? 

    Little Diomede [DIE-oh-meed] might not seem like a place you’d like to visit.

    This Alaskan island is just under 3 square miles in size. It has no roads. It has no restaurants. Fewer than 100 people live there. In the winter, it can get as cold as -40°F.

    But if you look out from the western coast of the island, you can see the future.

    Yes, you read that right.

    So how does this magic work?

    Little Diomede [DIE-oh-meed] might not seem like a place you’d be interested in visiting.

    This small Alaskan island, just under 3 square miles in size, is one of the most isolated places in the world. Fewer than 100 people live there, and it has no roads or restaurants. In the winter, temperatures can fall to a frigid -40°F.

    But if you look out from the western coast of the island, you can see the future.

    Yes, you read that right.

    So how does this magic work?

    Time isn’t the only difference between the Diomede Islands. For starters, Little Diomede is part of the United States. Big Diomede is part of Russia. Few humans call Big Diomede home—they just move there temporarily to work at the military base or weather station. 

    But a small community of Native Alaskans have lived on Little Diomede for thousands of years. Their village has about 30 buildings, including a store, a church, and a health clinic. Most villagers survive by hunting walrus and whales. If other supplies are needed, they are flown in by helicopter. 

    In the coldest months, a bridge of ice forms between the two islands. But sadly, you can’t travel through time. Walking from one country to another isn’t allowed. 

    For now, you’ll have to settle for simply gazing into the future. 

    Time isn’t the only difference between the islands. Little Diomede is part of the United States. Big Diomede is part of Russia. Few humans call Big Diomede home. People just stay there while working at the military base or weather station.

    But a small community of Native Alaskans have lived on Little Diomede for thousands of years. Their village has about 30 buildings. Most villagers hunt walrus and whales. If other supplies are needed, they’re flown in.

    In the coldest months, a bridge of ice forms between the two islands. But you can’t travel through time. Walking from one country to another isn’t allowed. You’ll have to settle for gazing into the future. •

    Time isn’t the only difference between the Diomede Islands. Little Diomede is part of the United States, and Big Diomede is part of Russia. Few humans call Big Diomede home—they just move there temporarily to work at the military base or weather station.

    But a small community of Native Alaskans have inhabited Little Diomede for thousands of years. Their village has about 30 buildings, including a store, a church, and a health clinic. Most villagers survive by hunting walrus and whales. If other supplies are needed, they’re flown in by helicopter.

    In the coldest months, a bridge of ice forms between the two islands—but sadly, you can’t travel through time. Walking from one country to the other isn’t permitted.

    For now, you’ll have to be satisfied with gazing into the future.